Despite having a fever, Lindell fought his way within striking distance of the top spots in Scotland
Oliver Lindell played a commendable second round on Friday afternoon at the Scottish Rolex Series tournament. Afternoon rounds are generally more challenging than morning rounds, and the fever he developed on Thursday evening certainly didn’t make things any easier. Given that, Lindell managed a brilliant round of 69 (-1).
The round, which began on the 10th hole, included three birdies, all of which were scored on the front nine. Two bogeys were recorded on the scorecard, one on the front nine and one on the back nine.
“It wasn’t just allergy symptoms; also fever rose yesterday evening after the session, and it was another tough night. All things considered, I managed to push on quite well. I’m not exactly flying round the track when I’m feeling under the weather either, but it didn’t really show in today’s performance. Another good performance on Friday afternoon, finishing just under two minutes.”
A total score of -5 is more than enough to secure 18th place in what is by far the toughest tournament of the season. He remains just four strokes off the lead. The Finn’s main goal for the tournament is a tough one, but still achievable. A place among the top three players who have not yet secured a spot in next week’s The Open will secure their place.
“I can certainly keep pushing myself this weekend if I want to play well next week, even though I played well today too. The fairway bunkers here will result to a lay-up, as we saw on the second hole of the day (11). My missed greens on holes 3 and 8 came from good shots that didn’t stop on the scorched greens. From the afternoon onwards, the greens start to get scorched,” said Lindell.
On the opening day, Lindell was one of the tournament’s best ball-strikers, and he didn’t miss more than five greens in regulation in the second round either. Numerous world-class players, however, have faced considerably greater difficulties. Among those who missed the cut at the weekend alone were Scottie Scheffler, Ludvig Åberg and Aaron Rai, who celebrated a Major victory in May.
Although there has been some speculation in recent years about a decline in the standard of the DP World Tour, Lindell has already proven through his own performances that he is capable of competing amongst the very best players in the world.
Lindell will play the third round alongside Marcus Armitage from England. The pair are due to tee off at 15.29 Finnish time.